Through the partnership, Fair Response will use Research Defender’s fraud detection and identity verification tools to strengthen the integrity of its Fair Opinions panel.

The move will help to proactively identify fraudulent activity, eliminate duplicate or automated responses, and ensure that only verified, engaged individuals can participate in the panel.

Matt Gershner, chief executive and co-founder, Fair Response, said the partnership would add “an extra layer of security and confidence to the insights we deliver”.

Survey fraud is a major issue in the research industry, with organisations including MRS, the Insights Association and Esomar partnering to address the problem through efforts including the Global Data Quality initiative.